Global sales of super-luxury Rolls-Royce cars have fallen for the first time in six years following a dramatic 54 per cent plummet in the troubled Chinese market.

Overall sales worldwide of the legendary British limousines in 2015 were down seven per cent to 3,785 compared to the record 4,062 the previous year.

It is the first drop since Rolls-Royce sold 1,002 cars in 2009.

Silver lining for Silver Shadow-maker: Rolls-Royce may have posted a drop in sales for the first time since 2009, but 3,785 is the second-highest figure for the British brand

China’s economic problems meant ‘significant headwinds impacted negatively on the entire luxury sector and Rolls-Royce was not immune,’ it said. There was also ‘a highly challenging global business climate.’

Rolls-Royce bosses put a brave face on the results saying the performance remained ‘an exceptional achievement’ because it was ‘against a backdrop of considerable global uncertainty.’

They pointed out that, despite the drop in numbers, sales from the boutique factory at Goodwood in Sussex remained the second highest in the marque’s 112 year history.

The firm with 130 dealers across almost 50 countries created 100 new jobs in 2015, celebrated a record intake for company’s Apprenticeship Programme, opened a New Technology and Logistics Centre in Bognor Regis and made significant investment in its main manufacturing plant in readiness for new models such as the £260,000 open-topped Dawn.

Bespoke personalisation is also at its highest-ever levels.

Announcing its sales results, Rolls-Royce chief executive Torsten Müller-Ötvös said: ‘Posting the second highest result in our history against a backdrop of considerable global uncertainty is an exceptional achievement.

'We have proven that our long-term strategy of globally balanced, sustainable and profitable growth is delivering and we have reaffirmed our position as the world’s leading luxury manufacturer. I am quietly confident of a strong year in 2016.’

Rolls-Royce said the new Dawn (pictured), due in Spring this year, should drive sales in 2016

ROLLS-ROYCE SALES FIGURES YEAR-ON-YEAR

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

300

792

796

805

1010

1212

1002

2711

3538

3575

3630

4063

3785

Addressing a slump in sales of around 54 per cent in China, Rolls-Royce said: ‘In China, significant headwinds impacted negatively on the entire luxury sector and Rolls-Royce was not immune to these developments. The region reported sales down 54 per cent compared to 2014.’

Record sales were reported in Asia Pacific (up 13 per cent), the Middle East (up four per cent) and North America (up six per cent) with individual market successes in Korea, Japan, Qatar, India, US and the UK.

Overall global sales were driven by the ‘enduring success’ of Wraith and Ghost family motor cars in drawing a younger generation of customers to the marque.

‘In 2015, Rolls-Royce once again sold more cars in the +€200,000 net segment than any other manufacturer, maintaining a position it has held unchallenged over the last decade’

‘In the face of a highly challenging global business climate Rolls-Royce Motor Cars continued undeterred with its long-term sustainable growth strategy.'

The Wraith has continued to be a success alongside the Ghost, attracting more younger buyers, Rolls-Royce said

WHERE ARE THE MOST ROLLS-ROYCE CARS PURCHASED?

Largest Rolls-Royce regions by sales in 2015

1. North America

2. Middle East

3. Europe

4. Asia Pacific

5. China

Largest markets in the world for Rolls-Royce in 2015:

1. USA

2. UAE

3. China mainland

4. UK

5. Saudi Arabia

Looking to 2016, Rolls-Royce said: ‘In September, the unveil of the new Rolls-Royce Dawn drophead coupé stunned the market, breaking all previous records for pre-orders whilst attracting a more social, younger generation of successful people to the marque. First customer deliveries will take place in the second quarter of 2016’.

Rolls-Royce now employs 1,600 people at Goodwood.

Prime Minister, David Cameron during a visit to Goodwood in February 2015, declared Rolls-Royce Motor Cars to be 'a great British manufacturing success story'.

UK Business Minister Anna Soubry said: ‘Today’s results from Rolls-Royce Motor Cars show that British-built luxury cars remain the envy of the world and are yet another sign of the strength of our excellent automotive industry.'

She added, “By continuing to support and invest in our auto industry, we can make sure we continue to create high-skilled jobs and drive our exports forward.

‘I’m especially pleased at the success of the company’s apprenticeship programme – our car manufacturers are already the most productive in Europe and this can only be sustained by prioritising the skills of the workforce.’